Friday, 29 May 2026

Leaser Engines on the JSSX

When I first started the JSSX, one of the things I wanted to do was have the shortline use leased power, which would provide some variety of locomotives and paint schemes.  I thought I'd show a few of the leaser engines that find their way onto the JSSX from time to time, which is really just code for I haven't really done much productive work on the layout in the last couple of weeks.  Thanks for looking in.

South Industrial Blvd. has boxcars spotted on spurs lining either side as HLCX leaser 5556  has come into view while switching some of those cars out.

A closer look at HLCX 5556, a former CP SD40

Former Chicago North Western SD38-2 NREX 6656

And also in CNW colours
I had ditch lights installed on GP38-2 NREX 3885

Just for comparison, here's the real 3885
Alan Gaines photo found on the internet

And one more of my lease engines is LTEX 3415
A former Union Pacific SD40-2 with the "snoot" nose, Sean Steele did a wonderful job painting this one for me.

And  from time to time I've posted pictures of lake freighters that pass by locally in the St.Clair River. Here's the first lake freighter photo I've taken this year, the 826 foot Lee A. Tregurtha as it was passing under the very busy Blue Water Bridges on May 13/26 on it's way to Marquette, Mich.  This one was built in 1942, which according to my math makes it 84 years old.
Notice the lineup of cars and trucks stopped on the bridge to the USA.  They'd be getting a nice view of the boat from up there.  I used to cross here 5 days a week in both directions and every once in a while, I'd get that same view of a passing freighter from up there.

Have a good week out there everyone.

4 comments:

  1. Love that lead street running photo, Jim. Gritty urban railroading at its best.
    Jim Eager
    modelingthejointline.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Jim. I wish that street could be longer, but that's the whole length of it. It just dead-ends right there at the entrance door to the room.

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  2. I spy a Matchbox red dumptruck in your header photo. One is also here on my Kingston's Hanley Spur layout! Classic!
    Like the leasers, too, Jim!
    Eric

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    1. Yes Eric, I believe I've had that dump truck since I was 8 years old. I know it's a little bit out of scale (oversize) but I don't care, it's staying. I'd like to see yours as well.

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